Review of the technique and complications of median J sternotomy in the dog and cat

Abstract

The surgical and medical records of 67 dogs and nine cats which underwent median sternotomy over a five‐year period were reviewed. The indication for median sternotomy and the short and longer term complications were recorded. Twenty‐six of the dogs died or were euthanased within 48 hours of the surgery as a consequence of the pre‐existing disease or complications of the intrathoracic surgical procedure. A further four dogs were enthanased between 48 hours and 14 days following confirmation of neoplastic processes. Thirty‐seven dogs were alive at 14 days; of these, seven dogs (19 per cent) experienced short‐term wound complications, including haemorrhage, wound infection, thoracic limb neurological deficits and excessive postoperative discomfort. Of the 37 dogs alive for longer term follow‐up, eight dogs (22 per cent) experienced wound complications, including haemorrhage, sternal fracture, sternal osteomyelitis and delayed wound healing. No complications were noted in the cats.